No start date set yet for Sanchez

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — The Marlins are trusting Anibal Sanchez will tell them when he feels ready to pitch in an exhibition game.

The right-hander experienced some soreness in his right shoulder last Friday, and he has thrown off the mound once since.

“He’s going to tell us how to handle it,” manager Ozzie Guillen said.

Sanchez’s first start was supposed to be on Friday against the Nationals at Roger Dean Stadium. Wade LeBlanc is getting that start.

Sanchez threw off the mound on Tuesday, and he will toss at least another side session before being cleared for a game.

“We’re not going to put a guy out there just because,” Guillen said. ” When he’s ready to pitch, he will pitch. I don’t think it’s a big deal, but it could be a big deal if we don’t handle it the right way.”

Guillen added that Sanchez is competing for the fourth or fifth spot along with Carlos Zambrano.

– Joe Frisaro